Bear Mountain Weather Forecasts

General Notices

WARNING: Wilderness conditions can change suddenly. All users should plan accordingly, including bringing flashlight, first aid equipment, extra food and clothing. Weather conditions may alter your plans; you should always be prepared to spend an unplanned night in the woods before entering the back country. Back country hiking trails can be rugged and rough-they are not maintained as park walkways-wear proper footwear!

Be Prepared for Winter Conditions

Know Your own physical capabilities, knowledge of backcountry recreation and skill level The distance you plan to travel and the terrain and conditions you will encounter Check (before entering the backcountry) Snow depths Current weather conditions and short-term forecast Wear Winter Boots Waterproof Outer Wear Layers of non-cotton clothing Fleece or Wool Hat Gloves or Mittens
Sunglasses (if sunny) Carry Map and compass - know how to use them and use them! Snowshoes or skis Crampons, spikes or traction devices Flashlight or headlamp & extra batteries Pocket knife or other multi-tool device Plenty of food and water
Pack Extra clothes and socks Gaiters Sunscreen Bivy sack or space blankets in case you need to spend the night in woods Fire starter supplies - waterproof matches, butane lighter, candles, starter material, etc. (for use in emergencies only in the Eastern High Peaks) Always inform someone of your itinerary and when you expect to return

Report back country emergencies, such as lost or injured hikers, and wildland fires to the DEC Forest Rangers at 518-891-0235.

All links to regulations leave DEC website.

Electronic Technology: Do not depend on electronic technology in the backcountry. Cell phone coverage is spotty at best and often non-existent. GPS signal can be poor under heavy tree cover. Batteries expire quickly in cold temperatures. Prepare before the trip and carry a map and compass for navigation or at least as backup.

Northville-Placid Trail Website: The Adirondack Mountain Club has created of a new web site devoted to the 133-mile Northville-Placid Trail. The new website provides information about planning a hike on the trail - whether a through-hike, section-hike or weekend-hike. It also provides information on the latest trail conditions. Use the link near the bottom of the right column. (2010)

Organized Events on State Lands: DEC regulation (190.8(cc)) prohibits any person from sponsoring, conducting or participating in any organized event of more than twenty people unless authorized by DEC under a temporary revocable permit (TRP). DEC seeks to ensure that large groups recreate on forest preserve lands 1) at locations, 2) during certain periods and 3) following practices that minimize their impacts on trails, vegetation, wildlife and other users.

Motorized Equipment in Wilderness, Primitive and Canoe Areas: DEC has adopted a regulation (Section 196.8)prohibiting the use of motorized equipment in lands classified as wilderness, primitive or canoe. Public use of small personal electronic or mechanical devices such as cameras, radios or GPS receivers are not affected this new regulation. See in the DEC Regulations.